Winner Takes All

"I'm sorry, Mr. Campbell. Your mother has late-stage liver cancer, and …"When Austin Campbell saw the doctor in front of him shaking his head, he felt dizzy, and his eyes reddened at once.Ever since he was a child, all he and his mother had were each other. To raise him and fund his education, she'd worked so hard that her health suffered. Before she even got to enjoy a better life, she had fallen severely ill."Doctor, please save my mother. I'm begging you, please. Is there really no way to save her?" Austin pleaded hoarsely. He was choking up.The doctor hesitated briefly before replying, "There's one last option—a liver transplant. We do have a suitable match here at the hospital …"Pausing, he studied Austin. Having treated Austin's mother for some time now, he was aware of Austin's financial situation.In the end, the doctor decided to continue saying, "But … the surgery won't be cheap. At the very least, it'll cost 200 thousand."200 thousand?Austin's eyes lit up. He

As the car cruised down the streets, Austin remained in shock. It all seemed like a dream.He and the old man, Ezra Lockwood, went up to the ICU ward at Legacy Hospital.It was not until Austin saw his mother, Dahlia Emerson, that he fully registered what was happening. Dahlia had just come out of the operating theater.Joy, gratitude, and other overwhelming emotions washed over Austin."I'm happy to report that the liver transplant surgery was a success, Mr. Lockwood," a doctor came over and said respectfully.Austin was stunned. The doctor, Isaac Navarro, was Dahlia's attending physician. He was one of Legacy Hospital's most well-known doctors and also an expert in the medical field.Isaac was the one who suggested performing the liver transplant surgery to save Dahlia.It went without saying that such an esteemed doctor would have no qualms treating even the most powerful beings as his equals. Despite that, he was showing such courtesy toward Ezra."Thank you, Dr. Navarro,"

After entering the bank, Austin took a number and waited.When it was his turn, he brought the debit card Ezra had given him to the counter and sat down. Once he saw the bank clerk attending to him, his eyelid twitched.It was Susie Wood!What a coincidence it was.Austin narrowed his eyes. Susie was Harvey's girlfriend.Though they had never met, he'd heard about her from Nancy, and he had seen photos of her before.Austin did not resent Susie. He simply felt a bit vexed.She was a pretty young woman with a good job. It was a miracle that she was interested in Harvey, a useless loser leeching off his parents.It was her business what she demanded from the Welches before agreeing to marry Harvey. That matter was between them. Austin was only infuriated by the Welches' attitude. They took the money he needed to save Dahlia's life and wanted him to be the poor sob who had to fund his brother-in-law's life."Hello. What would you like to do today?" Susie greeted him with a profes

"I'm so sorry for disrespecting you, sir. I was ignorant and made a huge mistake. Please forgive me."The moment Austin and Hiram entered the latter's office, he hastily offered his apologies. Despite wiping his brows many times, he was still sweating profusely. Even the back of his shirt was drenched.The orchid card was a rare one. Ordinary bank clerks did not recognize it.Only those at the managerial level could identify the orchid card.If those who had the orchid card went to the main branch of the bank, even the bank president would have to attend to their needs in person with the utmost courtesy. Hiram was boggled. Why did such a big shot come over to his tiny branch?Why did he even join the queue like everyone else to withdraw his money?He was being rather mean to ordinary bank employees like him!Austin calmly looked at Hiram and asked, "Are you very nervous?"The corners of Hiram's eyes twitched as he smiled sheepishly, "N-Not at all. Allow me to make you some co

When Susie received Austin's reply, she hastily asked Hiram for the rest of the day off to prepare for tonight.Both her and Hiram's careers rested on the outcome of tonight. Hiram had gone against the bank's confidentiality policy and dug up Austin's contact information before giving it to Susie.Just as Susie walked out of the bank with a heavy heart, she ran into Harvey who had just gotten out of his car.Harvey did not notice Susie's mood. Smiling, he asked, "Did you get off work early today, Susie?""Harvey?"Susie was startled, but she swiftly recalled her date with Harvey tonight. Acting like nothing was wrong, she replied, "Y-Yeah. I don't feel well, so I asked my manager for the rest of the day off.""Haha … It's just as well then. Since you got off work so early today, why don't we find a place to sit and play a few rounds of Arena? I've been practicing hard lately, and I got so many all-kills too! I'll boost you!" Harvey declared with a wide smile.Susie frowned. Did